Together at Last!
Greetings from Nairobi! As promised, here’s a short update. We arrived last week and were greeted at the airport by Brian and Julia, who brought us to our temporary apartment with all our luggage, even though it was quite late in the evening. On Sunday we all met up and worshipped together at Emmanuel Baptist Church. After the service we met several of the Kiama’s longtime friends, and also spoke with EBC’s pastor, Ken Mbugua. He was already familiar with our desire to plant a gospel-centered church in Nairobi and offered his full support as well as that of the church. What an encouragement on our first Sunday!
This week, besides getting over jet lag, we have been busy with the sometimes difficult and mundane tasks of getting settled in a new city in a familiar, yet still foreign, country. We were able to view a few housing options, but so far not any that are ideal. On Wednesday we were able to help the Kiama’s move into their new apartment. We’re so thankful they were able to find housing that is perfect for their family! Another highlight from the day was a short visit to Rift Valley Academy (RVA) to get some of the things that were stored there for Brian and Julia. It was wonderful to reunite with some dear friends.
Besides housing, one of the more urgent issues we must deal with is getting permits that allow us to stay in the country beyond the three month tourist visa. We just met with the woman who is helping us get all the paperwork needed, and will prepare the application for us. Our biggest need is for a Kenyan nonprofit organization to write a letter of partnership/support to the director of immigration here. We have several options we are pursuing and would appreciate your prayers for this process.
Day to day life, especially when dealing with governments or certain businesses, whether in America or Kenya, does not always go smoothly. But our trust is not in a trouble-free life, but in the One who is Sovereign over every situation, and uses even frustrating setbacks to make us more like him. We are so thankful for you all walking alongside us in this new venture and covet your prayers for more grace to lean into Jesus more and more each day!
And don’t forget to check out our updated prayer list!
Thank you for the update and pictures. We lift all of you up in prayer and are so grateful to see the fruit that the Lord has brought since the first time you all visited Trinity. It fills me with much joy to see you all there and we will be praying for the whole team as everyone settles and that the Lord would provide richly and abundantly.
I love the way the Lord was so good to allow you to feel supported from your very first Sunday there. We are praying for you with all of the adjustments to life in Nairobi! So thankful for your sweet partners to work with, as well.
Dear Lilli and Jonathan,
God has brought you safely to your new “home” in Nairobi. Thank You, LORD!! He continues to go before you! And we will pray for you and with you as you settle in and share Jesus as you go about your days.
Love, Alice and Michael